[Article 598]Photo Gallery 2012

The 10th Anniversary Motorcycle Poker Run and Chili Cook-off was held on June 9, 2012 and was dedicated to the memory of Ironworkers Local 29 member Mike Roche, Sr., a founding father of Unions for Kids.

A check presented to Ashley Schmidt representing the Doernbecher Foundation was a new annual fund raising record amount of $55,000! Part of the reason we were able to break the record is the money raised at the First Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament coordinated by and held at Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 in April of this year.

The prize in this year’s Harley Davidson raffle was the 2012 Heritage Softail Classic Big Blue Pearl, autographed by Willie G Davidson. The winner was Larry Fisher of Lebanon, Oregon and member of IBEW Local 280, Tangent, Oregon. His winning ticket number 2798 was purchased at Intel D1X from Local 48 Steward James Peak.

Our Chili Cook-off winner was Gail Wolfe representing the IBEW and United Workers Federal Union. She is a member of OPEIU Local 11. This was the second time entering the Cook-off for Gail, she also won with her first entry in 2009!

Our Poker Run winner for the High Hand was four 5’s held by Dan Poczynek, IBEW Local 48. Also note, Brother “Pozy” sold 330 raffle tickets at Intel D1D. There was a hand of four Kings that arrived after the 2:45 cutoff time, that han d was held by Mike Roche, Jr. The Low Hand winner was a “wheel” (A, 2, 3, 4, 5) held by IBEW Local 48 member Eugene Kramer.

Farthest Rider Award went to Russ McNally from Antioch, CA who traveled over 600 miles each way. His “mission” was to deliver a $1,000 donation from IBEW Local 302 in Martinez!

Our 50/50 raffle winner of $401 was Tony Reed.

The most valuable Silent Auction item, a Beretta model 686 White Onyx Sporting Clay shotgun (retail $2,460) was generously donated by Tim Ford, IBEW Local 48 member. The winning bid was submitted by IBEW Local 48 member Dennis “Gunny” Glivinski for just over $2,000. Both the donation and the amount spent show a true commitment to the cause. When recognized as having served in the United States Marine Corp, the Gunny’s message of “you don’t have to support the war, thank you for supporting the troops” was accentuated by his visible limp and need for the use of a cane. Thank you Brother for your service to the country and support of the kids!

Our event was hosted by IBEW Local 48 which has hosted the event since the inception in 2003. Business Manager Clif Davis was unable to attend, however, Assistant Business Manager Alan Keser graciously accepted thanks from all – as if that was not enough, he very quietly donated $100 on a personal level.

It was noted that Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 has taken on the tasks of the Texas Hold’em Tournament and a new event in the form of a Golf Tournament as part of the Unions for Kids program.

Unions for Kids is based on the premise that the Unions and their signatory contractors or employers already raise the standard of living in the community by paying family wages and providing outstanding benefits. The new fundraising efforts will reach out to “new” supporters not taking anything away from the Poker Run and Chili Cook-off. This will allow our mission and goal to remain constant; to further enhance the standard of living in our community.